Tahiti and her Islands

French Polynesia has now been re-branded as "The Islands of Tahiti". Known for their beauty, these 118 glorious holiday destination South Pacific islands are formed from five archipelagos, located in an ocean about the size of Europe. French influence is evident everywhere, from the language to the architecture, dining and shopping experiences.

The climate is sunny and pleasant with the warmer and humid season from November through to March, when most of the rain falls and the cooler and drier season from April until October.

Our options for Tahiti holidays include the mountainous, tropical Society Islands of Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Tahaa, Vahine and Huahine; the atolls of Manihi, Tikehau, Rangiroa and Fakarava in the Tuamotu Islands; Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa in the Marquesas archipelago and wonderful cruising options. For the best stay, spend 2 to 4 days in each of several islands.

Getting About in Tahiti and Her Islands

Air Tahiti and Air MooreaAir Tahiti’s extensive schedule operates regular flights between 46 islands out of Tahiti with a fleet of turboprop aircraft. The domestic terminal for Air Tahiti is located inside Faa’a International Airport in Papeete and the Air Moorea terminal is only 300 metres away. Air Moorea operates a shuttle service between Papeete and Moorea every 30 minutes to one hour with a flight time of just 10 minutes. The maximum baggage allowance on these flights is 20 kg. The following prices apply: Papeete to Moorea from £45 or Bora Bora from £135 each way; Moorea to Bora Bora from £175 each way. Travellers on Tahiti holidays find it’s easy to get around and see the wonderful sights.

Ferry to MooreaRegular ferry boats cross between Tahiti and Moorea daily with a crossing time of 30 minutes

Le TruckOne of the best ways to get around the South Pacific holiday destination of the Islands of Tahiti, is to travel on the famous Le Truck service. This local bus circumnavigates the islands with frequent stops along the way. You will also have the opportunity to meet and chat with the friendly locals who also use this service.

HelicoptersThe ultimate island hopping service if you are short on time but also recommended for Bora Bora and Tahaa transfers. Helicopters are based in Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora and the Marquesas and also offer wonderful sightseeing flights for Tahiti holidays.

The Society Islands

The Society Islands Archipelago is a group of high, tropical islands surrounded by lagoons. The main island of Tahiti is the largest of the Polynesian group which includes Moorea, famous Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea and Tahaa.

TahitiTahiti was immortalized by Paul Gauguin and is the largest of the islands. Its capital is Papeete and the airport is nearby. It has managed to retain its Polynesian heritage whilst developing a strong French influence. It has a mountainous interior and glorious beaches.

MooreaTahiti's sister island has retained much of its traditional individuality and charm and is famed for its white sand beaches. Moorea is a 20 minute ferry crossing fromTahitior you can travel the 18 km by air.

Bora BoraThis lovely island, in the Leeward Society Islands, is famous for its lush tropical flowers, white sand beaches and awesome mountain hinterland. It is 240 km north ofTahiti, reachable by air. The airport is situated on an island in the lagoon and all transfers are by launch.

TahaaTahaa, or the Vanilla Island, is so named for its numerous plantations of this fragrant plant. While fishing and farming are its main livelihoods, visitors are attracted by its pretty beaches, coral gardens, and the sandy motus which pepper the lagoon it shares with Raiatea.

HuahineLocated just 30 minutes by plane from Tahiti, Huahine is a haven for the visitor looking for tranquillity with its white sandy beaches, deserted coves, idyllic coral islets and lush hills. Also known as "The Garden Island" due to its abundance of fruit trees, luxuriant vegetation and splendid gardens, Huahine has flourishing local arts and crafts, lagoon trips, deep sea fishing and surfing on the best waves in French Polynesia.

The Tuamotus

The Tuamotus, “Tahiti's Strand of Pearls” and the largest of the Polynesian archipelagos, are located northeast of Tahiti and include 76 low islands and atolls spread out over more than 7500 square miles. Four of these islands – Manihi, Tikehau, Rangiroa, Fakarava – offer many exciting activities for Tahiti holidays, including world-class scuba diving, horseback riding, shark feeding and deep-sea fishing.

ManihiManihi is a string of islets where coconut trees and white sand beaches abound. It is famous for its pearl farms and is the original home of the Polynesian black pearl.

TikehauAs a holiday destination, South Pacific islands offer the visitor many magical experiences. Considered to be the most beautiful atoll in Polynesia, Tikehau is an oval crown of small islets with white and pink sand beaches. The bright blue lagoon is densely populated with fish which makes for great snorkelling and diving.

RangiroaRangiroa, with its 42-mile long by 16-mile wide turquoise lagoon, is the largest atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago and the second largest atoll in the world. It offers sunshine, white coral beaches and an immense playground for water sports and activities including some of the best diving in the world.

The Marquesas

The Marquesas are a group of high islands located about 930 miles northeast of Tahiti. They include twelve islands, only six of which are inhabited and are shrouded in an almost constant cloud cover.

Nuku HivaNuku Hiva, the mystical island, has many natural wonders that have delighted visitors on our Tahiti holidays. Covered in lush vegetation with cascading waterfalls and towering mountains this mystical land is the source of many legends.

Hiva OaThis majestic and historic island is known for its wild, untamed landscape, giant stone tiki, endless and unearthly vistas, and as the final resting place of poet Jacques Brel and artist Paul Gauguin.